Associated British Ports (ABP) is planning to line up an early contractor involvement and works partner for its planned £500m Solent Gateway 2 project in Marchwood, near Southampton.
The UK’s largest ports group plans to use a competitive flexible procedure to appoint a single contractor to assist with design development, consenting, and statutory processes, with the option to later deliver the main construction phase.
Solent Gateway 2 aims to enhance commercial and defence maritime capacity through new berths, logistics buildings, hardstanding, and upgraded road and rail links.
The scheme supports ABP’s net zero goals and may include land reclamation, dredging, and renewable energy infrastructure.
ABP will operate the site jointly with the Ministry of Defence. The scheme – classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project – remains at an early planning stage, and no commitment has been made to proceed with construction.
However, the eventual construction contract could ultimately run for nearly five years, from October 2026 to August 2031, for a value of £350m to £500m.
Three bidders are expected to be shortlisted by April 2026 and invited to participate in a paid innovation competition phase running through to September 2026.
The selected contractor would then enter a pre-construction agreement under an NEC Professional Services Contract, with potential to be awarded the main build contract under NEC Engineering and Construction Contract terms.
Procurement will be conducted through ABP’s In-Tend portal.
Requests to participate must be submitted by 28 March 2026.
The development consent order is expected to be secured in 2028.
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Ben Vogel